Syrian artist denied UK visa will miss his own exhibition

One of Syria’s most prominent artists has been denied a visa to travel to the UK for the opening of his own exhibition in London.

Thaier Helal, widely
known in Syria for his neo-expressionist works, was denied entry
to Britain by the Home Office. He was due to appear at an
exhibition of his works at the Ayyam Gallery in New Bond Street
on January 22.

The decision was maintained by the Home Office despite the
47-year-old providing references, bank statements and even a
testimonial letter from the University of Sharjah where he works
as a lecturer.

A Home Office statement said they were not satisfied with Helal’s
intentions, despite having been granted visas in Europe
previously.

They said they were “not satisfied he [was] genuinely seeking
entry to the United Kingdom as a business visitor. In addition
[they were] not satisfied that [he] intended to leave the United
Kingdom at the end of [his] visit.”

Helal expressed his disappointment at not being able to attend
the opening of his first UK exhibition.

“I just don’t understand why I have been refused entry to the
UK, I am just an artist who wants to be at the opening of my
first solo exhibition in Britain. It means so much to me – it is
really a career achievement,” he said.

“I truly believe that the only reason preventing me from
being allowed into the UK is my Syrian passport, it was my belief
that Britain was an open society, which embraced creative freedom
and the promotion of cultural exchange.”

He added that his only intention was to promote his artwork and
be a cultural representative of Syria, a country which boasts a
rich and diverse cultural heritage.

“All I want to do is show my art to an international audience
and have my voice heard in some small way on behalf of the Syrian
people.”

An appeal to overturn the decision has been launched, but the
exhibition is scheduled to continue with or without Helal’s
presence.

Other Middle Eastern artists have had trouble entering the UK and
other Western countries.

In 2013, the writers Ali Abukhattab and Samah al-Sheikh, from
Gaza, were due to appear at London's ICA to discuss their works,
but were unable to attend.

Founder of the Ayyam Gallery Khaled Samawi said he was
“incredulous” at the Home Office’s decision.

“We are facing enormous problems sending our Syrian artists
for exhibitions and arts related events abroad at the moment, it
is such a great shame as this is a highly tumultuous time for our
country and I believe that it is so important for their message
to be heard by international audiences.”

He added that if Middle Eastern artists continued to be denied
entry to the West then it would have significant social and
cultural impacts.

“It’s truly an uphill struggle and if this keeps happening,
our talented artists will continue to lose out on the
opportunities afforded to citizens of other countries, limiting
their careers and crushing their motivation … it’s just not
right.”

A Home Office spokesperson said they did not comment on
individual visa applications.